2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: A new generation with the same attractive features!

Chrysler has been lying low for the past year, trying to make it through the financial crisis, and despite being scooped up by the Italian company Fiat. And yet, even with all the turbulence, Chrysler managed to market quite a number of vehicles.But in terms of new products, there hasn’t been much to say. Within the next few weeks, however, the automaker is set to unveil its new Jeep Grand Cherokee – complete with several new features. True to its roots since its introduction, the new generation of this vehicle promises to be a real success.

A rich history

When it first came out in 1993, the Grand Cherokee was the SUV to buy . In the years that followed, the luxury SUV segment grew and several new vehicles arrived onto the scene, eating away at the Grand Cherokee’s market share. Nonetheless, it stayed the course by emphasizing its off-road capabilities. After all, it is a Jeep! The new generation is built on the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz ML and has the same objectives it has always had, but with several improvements along the way.

Take a look at the new generation of the Grand Cherokee and you notice the same lines, but with an updated style. The seven-bar grille is still there, as is the side moulding across the doors. It has been touched up here and there, but nothing major. The rear section is a little more inspired with tail lights similar to those on the Dodge Journey. Overall, the Grand Cherokee has kept is classic square shape, while other manufacturers seem to have swung to the other side of the pendulum. Although we could not accuse the Grand Cherokee’s designers of lacking audacity, the vehicle’s new look suits it well. The designers successfully created a more dynamic style with a high-end aesthetic.

An all-new V6

Choosing a version should be fairly simple as there are only four, including the Overland. The difference between them is the equipment level, since the two engine options are practically available across the board (only the base version, the Loredo, comes with just one engine). In fact, the base engine, a 3.6-litre V6, is new. This Pentastar V6 is making its debut in the Grand Cherokee and comes factory-standard in all versions. Producing 290 hp and 260 lbs-ft of torque, it is more powerful and more modern than the old V6. Most notably, it offers a dual overhead cam and variable valve timing. However, we bemoan the fact that there’s no direct fuel injection, now quite common with other manufacturers. The other option is the 5.7-litre HEMI V8, which has several years of experience at Chrysler already. It offers more than enough juice with its 360 horses. Plus, its MDS cylinder shut-off system is supposed to (yes, I said "supposed to") significantly improve its fuel economy, but nevertheless the HEMI is quite a glutton. There’s strong indication that an SRT8 version will be available next year, so if that’s the kind of thing that tickles your fancy, keep an eye out for it.

Charming on the inside

If anything is going to win you over on the Cherokee, it’s probably going to be the interior. The passenger compartment is very well done. Not only because of its simple and well-planned layout, but also for the quality of the materials. The inside really conveys quality – which has not always been the case at Chrysler. All versions come with a nice list of equipment, including several useful features, like heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel, power hatch, remote keyless entry, and more. In short, there are plenty of little details to make the vehicle more comfortable. Cargo space is also better in the 2011, and you can either open the whole hatch or just the glass section if you want to load long objects.

On the road

The model we tested featured the new 3.6-litre V6. This engine suits the vehicle nicely and offered very good performances. Sure, it lacks the rich sound of the HEMI V8, but its generous torque at low speeds translates into very good pick-up. You really feel like you have enough power with this engine. After clocking several kilometres, we could safely say that the ride was quiet and comfortable. The chassis is very rigid and the suspension handles any tendency to roll. The vehicle gets full marks for soundproofing, and its rather classic style makes for good visibility.

At a time when fuel economy is a major concern, we recorded 13.8 L/100 km – and that’s despite going easy on the accelerator. This is not what you call an excellent showing. The five-speed automatic gearbox (the only transmission offered for either engine) is certainly partially to blame for this. Chrysler claims that you can cover more than 1,000 km on one tank of gas, but that’s more of a reflection on the size of the tank (93 litres), as opposed to the engine’s frugality. The HEMI V8 is a good choice for drivers who prefer a little more punch. But in our view its main appeal is its superior towing capabilities (7,200 lbs. compared to 5,000 lbs.). Indeed, this vehicle is great for people with towing needs who don’t care for pick-up trucks.

Needless to say, since the Grand Cherokee bears the Jeep badge, it offers superb off-road capabilities. However, since off-roading is not all that popular (few SUV buyers actually go playing in the mud) we won’t go into detail about this aspect of the vehicle. It is worth mentioning, though, that the Grand Cherokee can be equipped with three types of wheels and, this year, the Selec-Terrain system allows the driver to choose from five different settings, depending on the road conditions.

So what do you need to know about the new Grand Cherokee? First, it still offers excellent value and has kept – and even improved on – the same qualities that made it popular in the first place. In fact, many people I know wanted a closer look at this new vintage, which is a clear sign that the Grand Cherokee still sparks interest. What’s more, last month, Grand Cherokee sales were at their highest level in 10 years. Just sayin’.